Breaking barriers: Logitech’s Loubna Imenchal on women leadership in the tech industry

The interview features Loubna Imenchal, head of Enterprise Business, for Africa, Middle East, Turkey and Central Asia region at Logitech, discussing her journey in the tech industry, challenges faced, and insights on women’s empowerment. Despite lacking a technical background, Loubna’s passion and resilience drove her to leadership roles, aiming to challenge gender norms.

She reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome and highlights the joy of mentoring aspiring women in technology. Furthermore, she explores the future of technology and Logitech’s role in fostering inclusivity.

Loubna emphasises the importance of purpose-driven innovation and encourages aspiring professionals to prioritise kindness and empathy in their endeavors.

Listen to the full conversation on our podcast channel – Gulf Business on Spotify.

Excerpts:

Q. Could you share your journey to becoming Head of Enterprise Business at Logitech?

My journey spans over 25 years in multinational tech companies. Transitioning from a business administration background, I was driven by personal passion and the challenge to prove myself in the tech industry.

Despite lacking a tech background, I pursued leadership roles, driven by a desire to empower women and leverage technology to enhance lives. Witnessing the impact of our solutions during Covid-19 pandemic reaffirmed the importance of our work in keeping people connected.

Q. Reflecting on the challenges you faced, could you highlight one or two significant hurdles and how you overcame them?

Initially, the tech industry presented challenges due to timing and societal norms. Being from Generation X, I encountered skepticism about my abilities due to a lack of technical background. Leadership positions were often reserved for those with specific technical expertise, sidelining qualified women. Overcoming these barriers required resilience and a commitment to challenging societal norms.

While progress has been made, gender equality in tech remains elusive, necessitating continued advocacy and action.

Q. Addressing the issue of imposter syndrome in women, have you experienced it in your career, and how did you navigate it?

Imposter syndrome is undeniably real, particularly for women navigating male-dominated industries. Women often face internaliSed pressure to excel and fear failure, perpetuating a cycle of self-doubt. This phenomenon stems from societal expectations and ingrained gender biases, making it a pervasive challenge. Embracing vulnerability and reframing failure as opportunities for growth have been instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome.

Moreover, fostering a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives is crucial in empowering women to thrive.

Q. On a positive note, could you share a significant achievement that brings you pride and joy?

Teaching and mentoring aspiring women in technology has been incredibly rewarding. By advocating for inclusivity and challenging stereotypes, I’ve had the privilege of empowering the next generation of female leaders. Inspiring young women to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations, has been a profound source of fulfillment.

Additionally, spearheading initiatives like the Connect and Elevate platform at Logitech underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech sector.

Q. Considering the future of technology, what advancements do you believe will shape our world, and how does Logitech contribute to this evolution?

Technology plays a pivotal role in empowering women by enabling flexibility and accessibility. Logitech’s innovative solutions facilitate remote work, education, and healthcare, empowering women to balance professional and personal responsibilities. By leveraging technology to bridge geographical barriers and enhance connectivity, we’re facilitating a more inclusive and equitable future.

Our commitment to affordability and user-centric design ensures that these advancements are accessible to all, driving positive societal impact.

Q. Finally, do you have any tech idols, and what advice would you offer young professionals aspiring to make an impact in the tech industry?

Rather than idolising individuals, I admire those who harness technology to address societal needs and promote kindness. True innovation lies in addressing fundamental human challenges and fostering empathy and inclusivity. My advice to aspiring professionals is to prioritize purpose over accolades and to leverage technology as a force for positive change.

By championing inclusivity and empathy, we can collectively shape a more equitable and compassionate tech industry.